Problems We Found In Indianapolis Water

For Hydroviv’s assessment of Indianapolis’ drinking water problems, we collected water quality test data from the utility provider and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. We cross referenced Indianapolis’ water quality data with toxicity studies in scientific and medical literature. The water filters that we sell at Hydroviv are optimized to filter out contaminants that are found in Indianapolis’ drinking water.

Where Does Indianapolis Source Its Drinking Water?

Indianapolis primarily sources its drinking water from the White River, Fall Creek, Eagle Creek Reservoir, and 6 groundwater wells. Citizens Energy Group, the utility provider, delivers drinking water to over 800,000 residents in the Indianapolis area.

Lead In Indianapolis Drinking Water

In recent years, Indianapolis has had a major problem with lead in drinking water. Lead enters tap water through old lead service pipes and lead-containing plumbing.10% of sites that were tested for lead had concentrations over 9 parts per billion. The City of Indianapolis tested 58 samples and reported one sample over the 15 parts per billion action level set by EPA. It’s important to note that the Center for Disease Control, Environmental Protection Agency, and American Academy of Pediatrics all recognize that there is no safe level of lead for children. Additionally, these measurements may not be a true indication of your tap water if your home has lead plumbing or lead fixtures. Treated water leaving the plant may be in compliance with loose EPA standards, but could become contaminated once it enters older infrastructure. Houses built before 1986 were most likely built with lead plumbing and lead fixtures. Lead exposure can cause developmental issues, lowered IQ, and damages to the kidneys and brain.

Disinfection Byproducts In Indianapolis Drinking Water

Citizens Energy Group detected disinfection byproducts or DBPs in this years drinking water assessment. DBPs are split into two categories: Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and Haloacetic Acids-5 (HAA5). Concentrations of haloacetic acids were detected at 39 parts per billion and reach levels as high as 50 parts per billion. EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level is 60 parts per billion for Haloacetic Acids. Concentrations of trihalomethanes were detected at 61 parts per billion, but had levels as high as 86 parts per billion. EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level is 80 parts per billion for trihalomethanes. Disinfection Byproducts are a category of emerging contaminants which means they have been detected in drinking water but the risk to human health is unknown. DBPs are formed when chlorine based disinfectants are routinely added to the water supply to kill bacteria. Regulatory agencies have very little knowledge about the adverse health effects of DBPs, and their toxicity. EPA has stated that they have been linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems.

It’s important to note that only a handful of contaminants are required to be included in annual Consumer Confidence Reports, and that there are hundreds of potentially harmful unregulated contaminants that aren’t accounted for. If you’re interested in learning more about water filters that have been optimized for Indianapolis tap water quality, feel free to visit www.hydroviv.com to talk to a Water Nerd on our live chat feature or send us an email at hello@hydroviv.com.